Holly, Ivy Are Lovely In The Yard As Well As In Home For Holidays

Plant Life

Gardeners and nongardeners are intrigued by the lore of the holly and the ivy and the images they evoke.

At this time of year, the mention of holly and ivy conjures up visions of Christmas decorations, Christmas cards and all the best this season represents.

In ancient times, pagans used holly and ivy in the midwinter celebrations that were traditional in the areas where the plants are native, the British Isles and the Caucasus. Later, Christians used holly and ivy for their Christmas decorations. The tradition survives to this day.

In my native Holland, the two plants are indigenous and, where you find one, you will soon find the other. They grow in the sandy, peaty soils of eastern Holland well above sea level. At Christmas, my mother would send me off into the woods to gather a big armful of holly full of red berries.

English ivy does not grow wild in Florida, but it has adapted beautifully. Several hollies are native to Florida and are good choices for either yard or container growing.

In fact, a large container with an East Palatka holly and ivy grown at its base will become a showpiece year-round, but especially at Christmas when the tree is full of red berries.

Another way to use ivy is a large container with ivy and white impatiens in a shady location, for a cooling white-and-green accent in the hot summer.

There is a lovely little book called The Holly and the Ivy - A Celebration of Christmas by Barbara Segall. I got my copy for $18 from the American Ivy Society, P.O. Box 2123, Naples 33939. The book has been out of print, but requests for copies may result in another edition.

It is a superb Christmas gift book. Although not a garden book, it does give good basic information on how the two plants should be planted along with their care.